Rush Week is when BBYO chapters host events that are targeted towards new members, in an attempt to attract more people to get involved and join. 

 On Wednesday, March 18, both chapters held their respective programs, with Simcha hosting Pizza, PJ’s, and Productivity night and OD’s blue-collar night with yard games. 

 “It was a great atmosphere, even though no one really got all that much work done,” says Leah Steerman, a Simcha board member, when recounting the Pizza, PJ’s, and Productivity program. 

 Tidewater BBYO also attended the Norfolk Admirals game on March 22 to finish the week. The Virginia Council presidents from Richmond, Nica Shapovalova and Kaden Staffenberg, joined the local chapters at the game. The group watched three thrilling periods before the game went into overtime, with the Admirals coming out on top versus the Greensboro Gargoyles with a final score of 4-3. 

 With these programs completed, both chapters are looking forward to finishing the term out strong and are anticipating the upcoming spring regional convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.  

 That theme shaped the evening’s program, which wove together personal testimony, education, and ritual. Through the voices of clergy, students, and educators, and the participation of descendants who serve as living links between past and future, the commemoration demonstrated how Holocaust memory is carried forward and given meaning in the present.

 Dr. Milton Zweig, the evening’s guest speaker, brought this theme to life through the story of his mother’s family, sharing their experiences during the Holocaust and the refuge they ultimately found in Colombia. Zweig spoke about how their survival often depended on human connection and compassion. His remarks emphasized that remembrance carries an ethical dimension. 

 Education remained a central focus of the event with the presentation of awards to student honorees connected to the Elie Wiesel Writing and Visual Arts Competition. Student winners were recognized for their thoughtful engagement with Holocaust history and memory, demonstrating how young people continue to grapple with both the weight of the past and its relevance today.

 Teachers Kindra Mosher and Lisa Kilczewski were also recognized for their dedication to Holocaust education, highlighting the critical role educators play in fostering historical understanding, critical thinking, and empathy. Their work was acknowledged as essential to ensuring that Holocaust education remains rigorous, meaningful, and responsive to the challenges of the present moment. 

 One of the most moving moments of the program was the lighting of six memorial candles by descendants of Holocaust survivors. Stepping forward as representatives of their families and generations, they expressed remembrance through ritual – embodying the continuity of memory as something carried, shared, and sustained over time.

 The evening concluded with a moment of reflection and intention. As attendees quietly exited, they were offered yahrzeit candles to light at home. 

Elka Mednick is director of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Holocaust Commission. 

 Following the meeting, attendees were treated to a private tour of Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina, led by Harry Graber, museum docent and former UJFT CEO. 

 Alicia London Friedman, Women’s Philanthropy chair, opened the program by welcoming the organization’s newest members: Rebecca Auerbach, Amy Gladstein, Ellen Rosenblum, Nicole Kushner, Allison Cooper, Laura Goldstein, Laura Wingett, and Nikki Shapiro Roth. “Mazel tov to all—we are so excited to have you with us,” she said.

 Friedman shared a Campaign update highlighting the strength of the community’s giving. “As of today,” she said, “The UJFT Campaign has reached $5.1 million from nearly 1,000 donors, with the Women’s Division contributing $1.5 million from 414 donors.” 

 “We could not do this without you,” she said. Thanking everyone for their dedication and generosity, Friedman emphasized the collective impact of the Women’s leadership, noting that this year has been meaningful and successful. “Women’s Philanthropy is strong and inspiring because of each of you—your leadership, generosity, and commitment.”

 The private tour engaged participants with the work of Nevelson and Slobodkina – two Jewish women artists – which deepened a shared sense of pride and community.

 This year’s theme was travel, which made the room feel fun and welcoming. The little touches, such as globes and mini suitcases that tied into the theme, gave everyone something light and enjoyable to talk about while also taking time to appreciate their meaningful work.

 Many different volunteer groups are involved at Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, so it was special to have them all together in one place. Some volunteers help with PAM filing, while others are Meals on Wheels drivers who deliver food to those who need it, along with food pantry volunteers who make sure families have access to groceries, as well as knitters, quilters, and crocheters who create handmade items with care. Tax preparers even donate their time and expertise to help others during tax season.

 JFS depends on its volunteers. The organization truly could not run without them. Along with the generous donations from the Jewish community, the volunteers are what keep everything going and allow JFS to support so many individuals and families in need.

 The luncheon was not fancy, but it didn’t need to be. It felt genuine and heartfelt, which made it meaningful. People had the chance to connect, share stories, and just feel appreciated for what they do.

 The event took place at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus, which continues to be a central place for Jewish life in Tidewater.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more about Jewish Family Service, can contact Julie Kievit, Jewish Community Relations Manager, at 757-321-2318 or jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org. Giving even a little bit of time can make a big difference.

 Each day featured specific themes: Camp Takeover included tie-dying shirts; Passover Day focused on decorating matzah covers; Nature Day involved exploration and journaling; and Arts Day featured clay sculpting, dancing, and magic tricks. The week ended with Parent Trap Day, inspired by the Disney film The Parent Trap, where campers made friendship bracelets, completed an obstacle course, and watched the movie.

 Families maintained flexibility by enrolling for individual days or bundling the full week for savings. This customizable scheduling allowed campers to balance spring travel and family time with the activities at Camp JCC. By providing diverse programming and convenient registration, the camp delivered a streamlined and engaging experience.

To learn more about Camp JCC, Kids Night Out, School Days Out, children’s classes, and more, contact Kate-Lynn Cipolla, Camp JCC director, at klcipolla@ujft.org or 757-321-2306.

 To keep the kids fueled for the festivities, a “Championship Snack Mix” featuring a savory blend of Cheez-Its, popcorn, cheese balls, pretzels, and party mix was enjoyed by all. This custom snack was the perfect addition as the energy shifted from the court to the screen. The night wrapped up by gathering to enjoy a screening of Cars 2 –  the perfect way to wind down and celebrate a great event.

 The next Kids Night Out is slated for Saturday, May 16. Registration is open. Since many favorite camp counselors will be there to join in the fun, be sure to register soon. 

To learn more about Kids Night Out, School Days Out, Camp JCC, children’s classes, and more, contact Kate-Lynn Cipolla, Camp JCC director, at klcipolla@ujft.org or 757-321-2306. 

In conversation at the Sandler Family Campus, Anzovin was asked two primary questions: How can Jewish individuals reclaim their voice on social media? And what would she say to someone struggling with fear while trying to show up authentically as Jewish? 

Anzovin’s honest response was empowering. She admitted that she still feels a flash of anger when faced with those she calls, the “modern Romans,” the ignorant and hateful commenters who mirror historical adversaries. However, she views this anger not as a burden, but as a vital tool to have when the “Romans are coming,” because they will indeed come, time and time again.  Anzovin suggests that a “healthy amount of anger” provides the momentum needed to defend Jewish identity. The key, she says, is to channel that fire into productive action: using it as fuel to dive deeper into study, learning, and teaching. “By turning the heat of antisemitism into the light of education, we ensure that our authenticity remains our strongest defense and our most radiant contribution to the world.”

Inspired by the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Anzovin brought a magnetic energy to the Tidewater community during her residency. Her daily practice of Daf Yomi has lit a fire within her—one that warmed the entire room as she spoke. With a blend of wit, charm, and an unapologetic passion for Talmudic studies, Anzovin did something remarkable: she ignited a collective desire to engage in Daf Yomi, a global cycle of studying one page of Talmud each day, completing the entire text over the course of about seven and a half years. 

Anzovin’s residency was a reminder that Jewish texts are not just history, but a living dialogue. Now, it’s Tidewater’s turn, so get ready. The community will begin its own deep dive into Daf Yomi this fall, with plans to build small cohorts learning together in anticipation of the next global cycle beginning in summer 2027.

To learn more about studying Daf Yomi, and to look for upcoming courses, visit JewishVA.org/KCL or contact Sierra Lautman, senior director of Jewish Innovation, at SLautman@ujft.org. 

To get involved with NextGen or learn more about upcoming opportunities to learn with small groups of adults, ages 22- 45, contact Hannah Yasemsky, NextGen engagement coordinator, at HYasemsky@ujft.org.

 Following the film, Roth was joined by the film’s executive producer and her daughter, Melanie Roth Gorelick, along with Laura Gross, for a conversation reflecting on the values, relationships, and questions that have shaped her photography. Together they explored how art can serve as a form of witness, inviting audiences to look closely and consider whose stories are seen and remembered.

 In conjunction with the program, a companion exhibition of Roth’s photography was on view in the Simon Family JCC’s Leon Family Gallery, featuring images of Jewish women from around the world. 

 Presented by Arts and Ideas at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, the evening offered an opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and connection through art.

 The residency was led by CEO Tsour Shriqui and professional medical clown Nimrod Eisenberg, who traveled from Israel to introduce local healthcare professionals, educators, and community members to the growing field of therapeutic medical clowning. Even amid the ongoing war in Israel, the pair remained committed to the visit and successfully made their way to Tidewater, bringing with them both expertise and a powerful message about resilience and healing.

 During their time in Hampton Roads, Shriqui and Eisenberg visited hospitals, care facilities, and schools. Their schedule included stops at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, and the Jones and Cabacoy Veterans Care Center, as well as visits with students in the Health and Science Academies at Bayside, Maury, and Deep Creek High Schools. At each location, they demonstrated how humor, play, and human connection can reduce anxiety, build trust, and support patients and caregivers.

 “We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from The Dream Doctors Project and see firsthand the joy they bring to pediatric care,” says Robin Kantor of CHKD. “Children need so much more than medicine to heal, and this experience brought an extra dose of laughter and connection to our patients and staff. We are especially thankful to United Jewish Federation of Tidewater for making this meaningful day possible.”

 Members of the broader Tidewater community gathered for a special evening program on March 24 to learn more about Dream Doctors and the global impact of medical clowning. Through interactive demonstrations and storytelling, Shriqui and Eisenberg showed how nonverbal communication, improvisation, and empathy can help patients cope with fear and uncertainty. At the same time, they spoke candidly about how the wars in Israel over the past two and a half years have shaped their work, particularly in hospitals, emergency response efforts, and trauma recovery settings.

 By the end of the residency, the impact of their visit was clear. Healthcare professionals gained new tools, students were introduced to an unexpected approach to patient care, and community members left with a deeper understanding of the healing power of humor. Eisenberg reflected that despite the packed schedule, the warmth of the Tidewater community made the experience unforgettable, and every person he met along the way left a lasting impression.

 This residency was presented as part of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, and Community Partners’ 15th Annual Israel Today Series.

For more information on upcoming Israel Today events, visit JewishVA.org/IsraelToday or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org. 

 As families arrived, long rows of tables with rolling pins, flour, and an assortment of sweet fillings were ready for the baking prep. The air was thick with the scent of apricot, raspberry, and chocolate, inviting everyone to take part in the beloved tradition of crafting these iconic three-cornered pastries. Families gathered to roll dough and pinch corners into the signature shape before sending their trays off to the ovens. Laughter filled the room as children and adults worked side-by-side, sharing techniques and tasting the occasional stray chocolate chip.

 The day’s success relied on a dedicated network of community members. BBYO teen volunteers worked alongside adult kitchen staff, sharing the responsibility of transporting heavy trays, monitoring baking times, and resetting stations for incoming families. This multi-generational effort was the heartbeat of the event; teens offered encouragement to young bakers while adults managed the logistics of the industrial ovens. 

 Beyond the flour and dough, the celebration extended into a full Purim festival. Creative stations allowed children to design colorful masks and craft festive groggers. Adding to the excitement, Tidewater’s Shinshinim hosted a prize wheel activity with a chance to spin the wheel and win prizes ranging from trendy slap bracelets to various fidget toys and more. For those with extra energy to burn, inflatable games sparked friendly competition. Children tested their skills at the inflatable basketball toss, while others faced off in a high-speed reflex race, scrambling to touch glowing, colorful lights faster than their opponent to rack up points.

 Operation Hamantaschen remains a cherished tradition because it transcends the simple act of baking, with families leaving the JCC with boxes of warm, freshly baked treats and the lasting memory of a community united by heritage and joy.